The Fulham center-back will miss the summer tournaments after suffering a fractured arm, so who stands to benefit the most from the veteran's absence?
Who could have predicted that, in the year 2023, the loss of Tim Ream would be so massive for the U.S. men's national team. The 35-year-old defender, who looked to be done with the national team just one year ago, remains a key figure after starring for both Fulham in the Premier League and at the World Cup in Qatar.
He is now unlikely, though, to play any role this summer. A fractured arm suffered against Manchester City requires surgery, knocking Ream out for the rest of the Premier League campaign and, almost certainly, a busy summer for the USMNT. And he won't be the only one missing at center-back, with Cameron Carter-Vickers, another World Cup veteran, likely to miss out due to an injury of his own.
In the coming months, the U.S. will compete in both the CONCACAF Nations League and the Gold Cup and, if history is any indication, two different teams will be used. One will head to Las Vegas to compete in the Nations League, with a separate side contesting the Gold Cup a week or so later.
Based on last cycle, it is expected that many of the European heavy-hitters will play in the Nations League squad, with the Gold Cup being used as more of a proving ground for rising stars. So, with Ream and Carter-Vickers out, what does the U.S. center-back pool look like, and who may be in the squads for each competition? GOAL takes a look:
GettyWalker Zimmerman
Not much of a mystery here as Zimmerman will certainly be involved. The question is where he goes. Do you send him with what will generally be an A-team or do you use him at the Gold Cup, as you did last cycle?
To be fair, his role as changed drastically since last cycle, when he was very much on the fringes at the time. With that in mind, we'll put him in the Nations League team.
SQUAD: Nations League
AdvertisementGetty ImagesMiles Robinson
The Atlanta United star is a unique case. The USMNT are taking it easy with him after his disastrous Achilles injury a year ago.
Knowing that, it makes sense to have him involved with the Nations League. He can play with Zimmerman in what really is a top partnership without all of the travel and extra games of the Gold Cup.
No matter where he goes, though, Robinson is the starter. He's too good not to be.
SQUAD: Nations League
GettyMark McKenzie
The Genk defender is one that can go either way, but, after playing such a big role for his club this season, he's a better fit for the Nations League.
He's rebounded since his struggles in the same competition last cycle and can certainly be trusted to play if called upon. After that, he can take a well-deserved vacation, having played nearly 40 games in Belgium this season.
SQUAD: Nations League
GettyAuston Trusty
What a rise it's been for Trusty, who is a posterboy for what happens when you find a good loan move.
His transfer to Arsenal was perplexing, but his subsequent loan to Birmingham has been nothing short of fantastic. The 24-year-old center-back earned his first USMNT cap in the Nations League earlier this year and should be due for more.
He's one player that could float to either roster, but after a nearly 50-game season in the Championship, the Nations League makes most sense.
SQUAD: Nations League